10-05-11 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 10-05-11

GNX RELATED MATERIAL - Part 3 -

As you can imagine, there was a lot of initial correspondence between ASC McLaren (also known simply as ASC) and M.E. Doble, Manager, Advanced Concepts at Buick Motor Division. In my collection, this is the earliest correspondence concerning the GNX project dated July 28, 1986.

PHOTO 1 - The photo on the left shows this letter dated July 28, 1986 from ASC McLaren to M.E. Doble, which was the cover letter for the original proposal for the project.

The opening paragraph mentions that the initial request was to build 200 special edition Grand Nationals. "We at ASC McLaren are pleased to respond to your request for the design and build of the 200 special edition Grand Nationals. As our recent meetings have shown we are most willing to participate in this most exciting project as it truly reflects the intent of the joint venture formed between ASC Inc. and McLaren Engines.

Program goals, concept vehicle content and some business issues are identified in the attached proposal. We feel we have accurately reflected the intent of Buick Motor Division in this document.

We again thank you for choosing ASC McLaren and do hope we can jointly, as we at ASC and at McLaren have in the past, be of service to Buick Motor Division.

The photo on the right shows the page outlining I. PROGRAM GOAL, II. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES, and III. CONCEPT CAR STRATEGY.

PHOTO 2 - The photo on the left shows another page from this initial correspondence. The first paragraph reads, "The following relate to the proposed timing for the first phase of the Grand National II project." It covers Layouts, Details, Engines and Vehicles, and details to what changes they were considering. Under transmissions it refers to the THM 400, which as you know did not happen nor were there any modifications to the Turbo hood. The last part of this initial proposal that any additional vehicles and special calibration hardware is required GM would provide it free of charge to ASC McLaren. This was necessary because of a compressed time frame of the overall project.

The photo on the right shows a single page letter dated October 14, 1986, which confirms the arrangements for the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX performance evaluation. It was sent to a select list at Buick. In the last paragraph it says, "The sensitivity and the necessary security of this program required that only the individuals listed above (or their substitutes) attend this evaluation."

PHOTO 3 - Photo on the left shows a letter dated October 27, 1986 from Buick. It summarizes the results of the 1987 Grand National GNX performance evaluation held at Milan Dragway on October 24, 1986. This was the first page of a 3-page letter.

PHOTO 4 - These are the next two pages from that letter dated October 27, 1986, referring to the Grand National GNX Performance Review from Milan Dragway.

The photo on the left shows all the results of the 3 Turbo Regal test vehicles and what contents were in each vehicle. In each of the tests, the vehicle #3 that had the internal and external modifications done by ASC McLaren turned in the best times.

The photo on the right lists various U.S. and foreign performance cars and their 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times as listed in Road and Track in 1986 and a reference to Motor Trend 1970 referring to the times shown for the 1970 GSX Stage 1. Vehicle #3 turned in the best times when based against U.S. produced performance cars at the time.

In review, some of what I have touched on concerning the GNX project can be found in the GNX hardbound book.

We have shown actual letters that support some of the information that can be found in the GNX book or have appeared on the various Turbo Regal forums.

I was at a small auction last Saturday as my friend was selling his original 1937 Ford 2-door sedan. Inside they were having an auction of various items, and I bought this 1930s original Thomas Edison Pro-technic Ediphone Dictophone cabinet. It is all original, and the Thomas Edison wording is still visible inside and on the outside the metal cabinet.

The flared feet sit on the original coasters, so it can be rolled on a hardwood floor. It is approximately 34 inches tall by 12 inches wide by 11 inches deep. The top flips up and the front opens as well. Inside is a divided rack to hold the original tube like recordings. It would make a neat curio cabinet. The photos show the outside, the inside, and the logo on the inside lid.

One exactly like it is currently listed on ebay for a Buy it Now price of $495. The one I have will be for sale at our Open House for $175. Remember, this is just the cabinet.

If you are interested, just email me direct - denniskirban@yahoo.com

IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING -

Even though we still have 3 months to go, this year has been an extraordinarily bad year for weather. This is the first time, since measurements have been kept, that 10 separate weather events each have caused more than $1 billion in damage! Our lawn is like walking on a soaked sponge!

OPEN HOUSE - FUNDRAISER - MOLLY MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND -
We will also have a special raffle at the Open House to raise money for the Molly Memorial Education Fund, to benefit his young daughter Brooke.

NEW PRODUCT FROM US - CARTOON STEERING WHEEL COVER -

We will have two new fabric steering wheel covers for sale at our Open House. These covers simply slip over your expensive leather steering wheel and protect it from sunlight and heat.

Here is the information and a link to the "Cartoon" cover. Next week we'll have the "HURST EQUIPPED" emblem cover on the website and in the Inner Circle.

Be sure to check them out.

CARTOON STEERING WHEEL COVER -

First time ever offered! A unique cartoon with the quote, "If I could just remember where this part goes..." featured in black and gray on this white polyester micro-fiber stretch fabric steering wheel cover. The printed area measures approximately 10" in diameter.

Its heavy-duty construction includes sewn-in, no-roll elastic, which surrounds the edge of the steering wheel making it a universal fit for any steering wheel. The cover is machine washable.
It's designed to simply stretch over your steering wheel whenever the car is in storage, parked in the sun or at a car show for a unique display. It takes only a few seconds to put it on or to remove it.

This fabric cover will shield the steering wheel against sun regardless of which window is exposed to the sunlight, it will keep the heat off your steering wheel, and protect it from sun damage. It will reduce surface heat by approximately 20-30 degrees.

Since it is fabric, it can be folded up to store in the glove box or under the seat.

It makes a great gift for any Buick Turbo Regal owner.

A great way to protect the leather-wrapped steering wheel when the car in not in use.

7344 - Cartoon Steering Wheel Cover - $19.95

This will be on display at our Open House on Saturday.

Here is a link to the Cartoon Steering Wheel Cover on the website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43885/CARTOON+STEERING+WHEEL+COVER+%237344.html

LICENSED BY HURST -

We recently were granted a license by Hurst Performance Products, which is now part of the B & M Racing and Performance Products.

No other aftermarket company is more associated with the muscle car era than Hurst.

We will be reproducing some of the unique Hurst items from the glory days.

We will have several unique items for sale at our Open House. The forecast is supposed to be picture perfect weather.

WILSON GREATBATCH PASSED AWAY LAST WEEK -

Although the name Wilson Greatbatch may not be familiar to many of you, one of his over 150 patented inventions is well known as it has kept millions of hearts beating in rhythm. Of course, I am referring to the implantable cardiac pacemaker that was first implanted in humans back in 1960. Wilson was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1988 following in the footsteps of his hero, inventor Thomas Edison. Wilson Greatbatch died at age 92.

IMPORTANT - SPECIAL REQUEST -

We did receive a color copy of a 1985 Turbo Regal window sticker, thanks to Brad Fairhurst.

We STILL need to borrow an original or get a good color photocopy of the 1984 Turbo Regal window sticker. This will enable us to get a copy properly made for other Buick owners. Triple A Enterprises has the ability to match the font style GM used, so quality of the reproduction window stickers is very good.

GRAY PALLEX SEAT MATERIAL UPDATE -

Currently we have less than half of our roll left, as several customers have bought 2 and 3 sections of it to do several cars. So, if you have a 1985-1987 Grand National, you may want to get a sample of this material to see if it's something you want to have tucked away. Most of the pallex material you find today from companies sells for over $75 to $95 a yard.

We do NOT have the black pallex material. In many cases, the original black material should be good enough to simply re-use and install the new gray pallex material. The black is a lot easier to match whereas the gray is something that can vary. Keep in mind, before we sell you any material, please email me your name and address so I can send you a sample. That way, you know the exact shade of gray material you would receive - denniskirban@yahoo.com

If there is anything large you want to purchase, we can order now and have it ready for pick up at the Open House, which will save you shipping. Examples: Turbos, fiberglass hood, fiberglass trunk lid, and exhaust systems. Great time to bring us any cores such as mass air flow sensors and powermaster brake units. We will have a large array of used parts available. Pete will have his GNX suspension on display as well.

Save 10% on in-stock catalog items - Save shipping on purchases.

If you're planning to come and purchase specific items, call at least one week in advance and have our staff hold them aside for you to be sure we will have what you need that day.

If there is anything large you want to purchase, we can order now and have it ready for pick up at the Open House, which will save you shipping. Examples: turbos, fiberglass hood, fiberglass trunk lid, and exhaust systems. Great time to bring us any cores such as mass air flow sensors and powermaster brake units. We will have a large array of used parts available. Pete will have his GNX suspension on display as well.

Our newest products will be on display and available for sale. Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade.

OPEN HOUSE UPDATE -

Remember, we are open to trades, if you have any good or new Turbo Regal parts you want to trade for items you want or need, be sure to see me.

We will have several rare items deeply discounted as well as having an array of collectible Hurst items. There will also be an array of tagged and bagged parts.

IMPORTANT - Currently we need original 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensor cores. They are worth $25 each to us in trade value. We also need 1986-1987 stock turbo cores, They are worth $75 each to us in trade value.

FUNDRAISER - MOLLY MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND -
We will also have a special raffle at the Open House to raise money for the Molly Memorial Education Fund, to benefit his young daughter Brooke.

ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - denniskirban@yahoo.com.

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.

NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - denniskirban@yahoo.com.

24th Annual DRAG RACING FUN DAY for
BUICKS, OLDSMOBILES and PONTIACS -
Saturday, October 8th, 2011 - Rain Date October 9th
Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, IL
They do it every year and have for quite some time.
More information - http://www.cordovadrag.com/2011/events/11bop-flyer.html

The 31st Annual GS Nationals will be held October 19-22 in Bowling Green, KY. Last year the weather was just perfect with autumn colors greeting us on the beautiful drive there. The GS Nationals is by far the largest and longest running Buick musclecar event in the world. There will be many race classes, the usual big Friday Car Show, swap meet, Vendor's Row and even tech seminars.

For the turbo V-6 guys, John Gallina and crew will return once again with Kenny Duttweiler for even deeper blasts into the 6's, eclipsing last year's 6.85/204 mph pass! Hope to see all you hard-core Buick fans there to share the fun! No pre-registration is necessary.

We will be in attendance as a vendor. This event replaces the one that used to be held in May each year.

For more information, check out their website - http://www.gsnationals.com

EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km

ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - denniskirban@yahoo.com - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.

IN CLOSING -

Hope to see many of our local customers this coming Saturday at our Open House. Who knows, it may be one of the few days that it won't rain! Advanced weather forecast calls for sunshine and mid-70s temps!

We will have some really neat items for sale as well as several autographed Hurst-related items we are working on. Already have the YumYum donuts on order!